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Biggest scheme above Crossrail station approved

Derwent scheme over Tottenham Court Road Crossrail station designed by AHMM

Proposals for two developments by AHMM above Tottenham Court Road station, including the West End’s first new theatre for 30 years, have won planning permission

Westminster City Council approved the schemes above the two ticket halls of the Crossrail and tube station on Tottenham Court Road, which will help to fund Crossrail, reported AJ’s sister publciation Construction News.

The development of two buidings by Crossrail and developer Derwent London consists of shops, office and homes plus a new auditorium and commercial space to replace the former Astoria theatre.

Hawkins\ Brown’s scheme at Dean Street for Crossrail

The biggest proposed project above any of the under-construction Crossrail stations also includes a Hawkins\Brown designed mixed-use scheme housing 92 flats and 1,100m² of shops.

The council also gave permission for a new pedestrian link between Soho Square and Charing Cross Road, which the new buildings will overlook.

The proposals are part of wider plans to improve the area which include a new public space by the Centrepoint building.

Derwent London intends to exercise its option to reacquire the site, which was compulsorily purchased by Crossrail in 2009, once the upgrade works are completed in 2017.

Ian Lindsay, Crossrail’s land and property director, said: ‘The £1billion redevelopment of Tottenham Court Road station provides a once in a generation opportunity to revitalise the eastern end of Oxford Street. The plans including high-quality offices and shops will enhance the Oxford Street and Charing Cross Road area as a thriving cultural and retail destination.’

John Burns, chief executive of Derwent London, said: ‘We are delighted that Westminster City Council has approved this important scheme. It will help in the much needed revitalisation of the eastern end of Oxford Street which is essential for the long-term growth of the West End.’

Meanwhile the council gave Derwent London to go ahead to refurbish and extend a central London shop which it has pre-let to fashion retailer Burberry. Westminster City Council approved an amendment to an existing planning consent. The scheme will complete in mid-2013. It will increase the floor area by 8 per cent and swap a glazed exterior for a masonry façade.

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The Architects' Journal is the voice of architecture in Britain. We sit at the heart of the debate about British architecture and British cities, and form opinions across the whole construction industry on design-related matters